Everton midfielder, Andre Gomes has suffered a serious injury in their match against Tottenham which ended 1-1 at Goodison Park.
Spurs’ Son Heung-min, was given a red tackle for the challenge on Gomes in the 79th minute. The player broke into tears while walking into the tunnel after seeing the degree of injury sustained by the midfielder.
The image of Son Heung-Min, utterly distraught at the sight of Andre Gomes as the Everton midfielder received urgent treatment on the pitch in the 78th minute and the mood of players from both teams will be the defining one for anyone who watched.
Everton manager Marco Silva said he was waiting to hear the severity of the injury from the medics after he was taken out in a stretcher.
“He’s gone to hospital,” Silva said. “Our medical staff are in control. “
Everton went ahead to equalize seven minutes into the 12 added at the end of the second half, home substitute Cenk Tosun flung himself at Lucas Digne’s volleyed cross to equalize Dele Alli’s opening goal and an already febrile Goodison Park erupted with emotion.
“This is a bad moment for us and our team – this was more than a football game,” Silva continued. “We will give all support to Andre and his family. As a group, we have to stay together and show the spirit we showed following the incident.
“Our players now, they are sad, a tough moment for us in our dressing room and for Andre, but the spirit we showed after that moment on the pitch I think is a good answer for you.
“He is seriously injured but I am 100% sure Andre will become stronger as a football player and as a man because he is a fantastic lad, a fantastic professional.”
Gomes’ teammate Tosun admitted that a number of players had nearly cried.
“Everybody is sad inside. Some players, they nearly cried,” the striker said. “He was in shock, his eyes were open so big. He was like crying, shouting and screaming.
“I just tried to hold him and speak to him. I tried to tell him to stay calm. We couldn’t understand him.”
Speaking on the issue after the match, Tottenham’s Harry Kane said Son was still devastated as they found him still crying in the dressing room.
“I didn’t want to look too much at what happened,” said the England midfielder. “I want to send Andre my best wishes.
“Son is devastated and in tears – it’s not his fault. Son is one of nicest people you’ve ever met. He can’t even lift his head up, he’s crying so much.
“The injury does play on your mind during the match but you have to stay professional.”
On the other hand, Pochettino was furious that VAR had not been used to check on Son’s challenge, in order to help Atkinson make the correct call. The Tottenham boss joined the number of persons faulting VAR’s inaccuracies but admitted the result was less important considering the horrific injury Gomes sustained.
